Do I file a police report if I hit a sign ?

Question

I ran into a public sign on the side of the road, the one that has a big H and an arrow pointing to the nearest hospital. I knocked it down flat. Do I have to file a police report?? No other cars were involved.

Answer 1

Under no circumstances should you ever volunteer to anyone anything that you have done which might lead to civil or criminal liability.  Deny everything.

The insurance company might pay for the sign and then they might just write the check and collect it from you in increased premiums.  A couple more incidents like this and they will be your former insurance company.

You should pay the $1500 yourself.  In the long run its cheaper, and more to the point it will remind you to keep eyes on the road.  Next time it might a person, or something with a lot less give than a sign.

Answer 2

you are supposed to report the sign being knocked down and if you are insured you should report it to them.

Answer 3

Yes....as this sign was posted at the expense of the city, and is on municipal land, it could be misconstrued as public mischief and vandalism if left to be discovered on its own.....the reporting to the police will ensure two things, One-someone may have witnessed the incident and reported it and  failure to report it yourself would constitute a crime, so this will more than likely absolve you of any criminal charges, and Two-seeings how it is signage  that directs injured and usually upset people to the hospital, it is an awesome and socially responsible act to see that it is re-planted in its appropriate location.....Cheers from Canada-Tripod.

Answer 4

absolutely... if not its a hit and run which is serious.

Answer 5

You should report it to the police. They might say you'd have to pay for the sign. At least, t I think that's what should be done. I don't think I'd do it.

Answer 6

Yes,

you should have called the police. If there were no witnesses, you could've  drove off too.

Answer 7

Was there alot of people on the same road that you hit the sign on? if so they can report it, and so if it were me, I'd report it cause if not and they find out who did it that could mean more problems for you, do you want that?

Answer 8

Probably, just in case that sign was really important and because you hit it it's better to notify them.

Answer 9

I think your clumsier then me !!

cool !!

what a great story. .  

Answer 10

yes you do.  you caused damage to state, county, or city property and must file a report.

Answer 11

You should report it just because if you dont and someone got your license plate then it a hit and run.

If you dont report it thats just a gamble that your taking.

and when you do (if you do) report it your going to get yelled at alot for not reporting it. They'll ask you if you were drinking and then they'll be all pissy about it.

The first time I hit a deer it dented the side of my car and there was no real damage so I went home and when I called the police station I got a machine that told me to call 911 but I was always taught that you dont call 911 unless your house is on fire.

so I waited til the next day and the cop was being a d**k because he thought I was drunk at the time but had no proof.

Answer 12

Why would you make more trouble for your self? You should have just went on with your business. It aint illegal if no one sees. :]

Answer 13

You did the right thing. They might not even take it from "incident" to "case" but by reporting it you avoided a possible misdemeanor hit and run. Good call!

Answer 14

You have to report it.  They will also make you pay for a new sign.  If no one knows you hit it, just leave it alone.  I wouldn't report it unless I got caught.  

Answer 15

if there werent any witnesses i wouldnt worry about it